NBC has named Bob Harper as the new host for its weight-loss reality show, "The Biggest Loser" when it returns for its 17^th season.

Harper takes over hosting duties from Alison Sweeney, who announced last August that she would be leaving the show. Sweeney had been hosting the reality show since 2007, after the departure of original host, Caroline Rhea. Sweeney made the decision to leave the show to spend more time with her family.

"I'm super excited about taking the position of host on 'The Biggest Loser'." Harper said. Harper has been with the show, training contestants, since season one debuted in 2004. Given his experience and expertise on the show, the transition to becoming the host may be an easy task for him.

Harper is also looking forward to bringing his own ideas to the show. "Let me tell you, the weigh-in room is going to be a completely different ballgame with me at the steering wheel," he added.

Harper will also still continue to offer his training expertise for the contestants during the season.

Dolvett Quince and Jennifer Widerstrom return as trainers for the upcoming season. Quince has been with the show since season 12, while Widerstrom was a new addition last season. Quince and Widerstrom will each guide eight teams to two, who will battle it out in team-versus-team type of competitions.

Harper's assignment as host is timely as the 17^th season of "The Biggest Loser" is set to begin production this month. The reality show, which commenced the casting process early in January, will premiere sometime in early 2016. NBC has yet to announce the official airdate.

NBC has also announced that there will be other changes in the upcoming season, including new twists that will be announced at a later date.

Season 17 of "The Biggest Loser" returns in early 2016 on NBC.